Top 7 Fireplace Decorating Tips

by Michelle O'Connor

1.
Whether buying one for the first time or replacing an existing one, installing a
new
freestanding electric fireplace does not take as much work as you think. If
you don't have a fireplace mantel, consider getting one, as it will give your
fireplace a more finished, polished look. You can even use a mantel in areas you
don't have a fireplace as a visual showpiece.

2. The grocery store can supply a wealth of ideas. Fruits are a low-cost way
to add color and quality to a mantel. Pack empty flower vases or jugs with
lemons or limes. Complete fruit exhibits with a flower arrangement. Another way
to add some sparkle is by placing little votive candles around the bottom of the
vessels.

3. A mantel should have its own focal point. Often, a single large painting
or mirror is used. If you decide to go this route, be sure the picture is not
hung too high. You can also just lean it against the wall. Use two or more
coordinated pieces of art to create a grouping for a different look. If you
don't have a fireplace, and don't want to have one built, consider an
electric fireplace as a low-cost, portable option. You can move them into
any room of your home, as you please!

4.
Try these seasonal changes:

• Winter – add potted evergreens, pinecones and sticks from the
backyard
• Spring – use paper-whites, tulips, or forsythia
• Summer – place a flower in each of four or five identical vases, or
use pots of identical orchids
• Fall – try gourds and pumpkins

5. You can spiff up your mantel with functional collectibles, whether it is
flowerpots, vases, or even cookie jars. Playing cards, matches, whatever little
things you may use in that room can be used to fill the flowerpots. Fill the
vases with flowers, real, silk or dried. If you live in an apartment or condo,
or a house without a fireplace, consider a
fake fireplace. They can be inexpensive, high quality, and open up many more
decorating options for you.

6.
Gourd groupings are a cheerful way to enliven a fireplace mantel. Group together
white gourds and white pumpkins and set out a bunch of red grapes and grape
leaves in between the gourds. Then intersperse silver and glass candlesticks in
varying heights with tall white taper candles in between the gourds and grape
clusters.